No Crisis Here

Career SuccessChangeBusinessMentoring
Written By Jonathan Bratt

Look up the word “midlife” online.  The results will tell you that most people associate middle age with a time of crisis.  In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, Blanchflower and Oswald (2008) note that happiness among people across 72 different countries is generally at its lowest point between 40 to 50 years of age. 

Author Barb Bradley Hagerty explains that two-thirds of Gen Xers and Baby Boomers do not find their work engaging.  One-fifth of workers in that same group are twice as likely as others to suffer from depression.

The American cliché for how we respond to discontentment at this stage in life is a new sports car, cosmetic surgery, or a new relationship.  But some will take a more constructive approach by trading an uninspiring career for a chance at independence and to put passion and meaning back into their work. 

By midlife, we are shaped by the sum of decisions made over the past 20 plus years.  The result of all of those decisions is a person rich with talent and experience.  So, what if the wonderful person you have become is different from the one that chose your current career path so many years ago?  Perhaps a midlife career change or starting your own business could be the key to putting purpose and meaning back in your work.  

We all have a calling.  If you don’t consider your work “a calling” by the age of 40, it is time to do something about it.  The work you do should match what you love doing.

Blanchflower, D. & Oswald, A. (2008). Is well-being U-shaped over the life cycle?.  Social Science & Medicine, 66(2008), 1733-1749. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.01.030

Hagerty, B. (2016, April). Quit your job: A midlife career shift can be good for cognition, well-being, and even longevity. The Atlantic. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/04/quit-your-job/471501/

Jonathan Bratt

Jonathan Bratt joined the faculty of University College of the Cayman Islands in 2017 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Arts and Humanities. Prior faculty appointments include the American International College of Arts and Sciences in Antigua, where he taught English and Film Studies, and Bahamas Baptist Community College and Success Training College both located in Nassau, The Bahamas.

During his career Mr. Bratt has been deeply involved in program development, playing a central role in the design of a Bachelor of Education program at Bahamas Baptist Community College. Mr. Bratt also brings extensive experience as an Academic Probation Officer, Faculty Advisor, Academic Advisor, and Deputy Examinations Officer in addition to his expertise as Program Coordinator and Course Coordinator. 

  • BA, Combined Honours in English and Film Studies, Western University

  • BEd, Western University

  • MA, Twentieth Century British Literature and Modern Film, National University

  • EdD, Educational Leadership and Management in Higher Education, The University of the West Indies (in progress)

  • Graduate, Oxford Executive Leadership Programme, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

  • Graduate, Learning Design and Technology Graduate Certificate, Harvard University (in progress)

  • Graduate, Higher Education Teaching Certificate, Harvard University

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